Mardell’s life began on Feb. 10, 1910, in South Bend, Ind., the daughter of Edward and Hazel (Peck) Harris.

She was united in marriage to Kenneth Reichard, who preceded her in death.

Mardell, 101, of Dowagiac, worked for many years in the banking industry in Chicago.

She also attended beauty school and was a beautician.

Her greatest passion, however, was for her pets and painting.

Mardell was a talented oil painter and she loved her cats, and all animals.

She is survived by: her cousins, Hazel Solomon, Janet Feick, Michael Solomon, Jim (Roseanne) Solomon and Jean (Skip) Cline, all of Dowagiac, and Nancy (Ken) Brown , Glen (Judy) Peck III, Patrick (Jill) Peck and Pam ( Jim) Skalla, all of Niles.

Mardell passed away on Monday, July 4, 2011, at Forest Glen Assisted Living.

Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time.

Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to the Cass County Humane Society.  Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Mardell at www.yazel-clark.com.